“CVS Pharmacy’s decision to stop selling tobacco products is a groundbreaking move, albeit one that has come in response to increasing pressure from public health advocates for providers of health care products to halt their sales of these deadly products. Nevertheless, it is an important decision with potential to have a domino effect in the industry.

“It also reflects an evolving social climate that has become less and less supportive of the marketing, sale, and use of tobacco products in the U.S. The announcement comes on the heels of a new, $100 million anti-smoking campaign being launched by the FDA that uses graphic imagery to depict the health and social consequences of cigarette smoking and addiction. Combined, these bold initiatives hold potential to accelerate rates of decline in youth and adult smoking, both of which have plateaued in recent years.”